iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%91+49.6Reliability 24%86+20.8Value 14%66+9.3Replies to reviews 7%95+6.7Experts Score= 87Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.87SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#25 of 96 pet servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 75%
4.9★★★★★251 Google reviews · 24 photos
97%five-star reviews
4.93★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
2%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers frequently praise the mobile groomers for their patience with anxious or elderly dogs, noting that the convenience of home service justifies the higher cost. Positive reviews highlight consistent punctuality, professional communication with photo updates, and thorough care that leaves pets clean and calm. However, low-star feedback cites issues with last-minute cancellations, perceived price gouging, and instances of poor handling that caused physical injury or skin irritation.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 251 reviews (97% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 251 Google reviews (217 with written comments, 126 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 97% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 24, 2026.
Service: Pet Service serving Santa Ana, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: value.
Barkbus Mobile Dog GroomingPet Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Barkbus Mobile Dog Grooming: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 79.A
91
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Barkbus Mobile Dog Grooming: 86/100 on this factor. Category median: 71.A
86
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 96.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Barkbus Mobile Dog Grooming: 66/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.B
66
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Barkbus Mobile Dog Grooming: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Barkbus Mobile Dog Grooming: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 47.A
95
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
251 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars24397%
4 stars31%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star52%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 217 written reviews
98%praise
Praise28798%
Complaints72%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
95%fair
Great price210%
Reasonable1785%
Overpriced15%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude8429%
Quality & results7927%
Would recommend5017%
Speed & response3913%
Price & value176%
Communication155%
Honesty & trust103%
What customers talk about
We read 217 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“They were patient with him and gave me updates throughout the appointment.”
“maybe because your service is more thorough than back east and/or they haven’t been groomed since we moved here (1 1/2 months) maybe.”
“HORRIBLE!”
“I highly recommend their services and will definitely be coming back!”
“Always arrives promptly and does an amazing dog on our Schnauzer!”
“…t Catalina handled him sweetly and professionally and the service is worth it if you’re willing to pay for the mobile service.…”
“price gouging and will not even see your dog unless it meets their standards.”
“Great communication before and during appointment with giving updates and pics with how our pup was doing who has a lot of anxiety when going to a sal…”
“Its a great help yo me to be able to trust Bark Bus employees to take care of my baby”
People customers mention
Milo3 reviews
Laurie3 reviews
Gladys3 reviews
Lucy3 reviews
Michael3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
Chris13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 days ago★★★★★
Christian was excellent, however, the long hours to groom all three are not normal for us….maybe because your service is more thorough than back east and/or they haven’t been groomed since we moved here (1 1/2 months) maybe.
GreerLocal Guide · 39 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
We had a great experience with Millani!! She was so kind and treated our pets as her own. The service was seamless and she was able to accommodate any requests. Will be booking again!!
Layla1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★
I’m so happy with the wonderful grooming service Leona received! The team did an amazing job, and she came home looking absolutely beautiful, fresh, and clean! 🐾💕
You can tell they truly love and care about the dogs they work with. I especially loved the adorable Halloween bandana and the beautiful festive…
Karen10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I have a 7lb 22 year old and a 90lb 8 year old. Both dogs loved Kaitlyn. She is amazing. Both dogs smell so much better and they love Kaitlyn. I highly recommend this company and Kaitlyn.
Reasonable price
MarciaLocal Guide · 23 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Osa has looked very good with both groomers, Natalie and I beleive her name is Claudia. Thank you again
Reasonable price
TammyLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Barkbus is professional from start to finish. My 100lb Great Pyrenees Daisy is very nervous and they are so sweet with her. Sonya even put a noise reducing hoodie on her to help calm her. Convenience of mobile grooming is worth the extra cost. Most importantly I feel Daisy is in good hands and she looks amazing.
Christian was excellent, however, the long hours to groom all three are not normal for us….maybe because your service is more thorough than back east and/or they haven’t been groomed since we moved here (1 1/2 months) maybe.
Response from the owner · a day ago
Thank you so much, Chris! We love what we do, and it shows! Christian is truly amazing, and we are thrilled your pups took to her right away. Hearing that you felt your furry family member was in safe, intuitive hands means the world to our team. We look forward to many more happy visits!
Greer BroylesLocal Guide · 39 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Greer has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had a great experience with Millani!! She was so kind and treated our pets as her own. The service was seamless and she was able to accommodate any requests. Will be booking again!!
Response from the owner · a week ago
It’s wonderful to hear Millani made your pups feel so cared for! 🐾💙 We’re glad the appointment went smoothly and that she was able to accommodate your requests. Thank you for choosing Barkbus for your pups’ spa day! We hope to pamper your furry family again soon! 🛁✨
Layla Rad1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Layla has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’m so happy with the wonderful grooming service Leona received! The team did an amazing job, and she came home looking absolutely beautiful, fresh, and clean! 🐾💕
You can tell they truly love and care about the dogs they work with. I especially loved the adorable Halloween bandana and the beautiful festive picture they took of her! Such a thoughtful and sweet touch!
Thank you for taking such great care of my baby girl and making her look so pretty! I highly recommend their services and will definitely be coming back! ❤️🐶
Response from the owner · a week ago
Leona sounds like she had the sweetest spa day! 🐾💕 We’re so happy she came home feeling fresh, clean, and looking beautiful. The Halloween bandana and festive photo make the experience even more special! 🎃📸 Thank you for trusting Barkbus with your baby girl’s care and for recommending us. We hope Leona enjoys all the extra cuddles and that we get to pamper her again soon! ❤️🐶
Karen Heggen10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Karen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have a 7lb 22 year old and a 90lb 8 year old. Both dogs loved Kaitlyn. She is amazing. Both dogs smell so much better and they love Kaitlyn. I highly recommend this company and Kaitlyn.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · a month ago
We’re so happy to hear both of your pups had such a great experience! It sounds like our stylist did an amazing job making them both feel comfortable, and we love that they enjoyed their spaw day. Thank you for recommending Barkbus, and we look forward to seeing you all again! 🐾
Marcia CrockettLocal Guide · 23 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marcia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Osa has looked very good with both groomers, Natalie and I beleive her name is Claudia. Thank you again
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · a month ago
We’re so glad to hear Osa has looked great after her grooms with Natalie and Claudia! We’re happy she’s had such a good experience with both of them. Thanks again for trusting Barkbus with her care, and we look forward to seeing you both again! 🐾
Tammy CarnevaleLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tammy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Barkbus is professional from start to finish. My 100lb Great Pyrenees Daisy is very nervous and they are so sweet with her. Sonya even put a noise reducing hoodie on her to help calm her. Convenience of mobile grooming is worth the extra cost. Most importantly I feel Daisy is in good hands and she looks amazing.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Alanna Rizzo6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alanna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Great service and professional. Provided timely photos and updates. Good communication. My only issue was the price. I can completely understand because it is what the market will tolerate. It's just too much for a foundation like ours to continue to use. We are 100% donation based and we are priced out. If I had an unlimited budget, I would consider rebooking.
Price assessment: Overpriced
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback! We’re so glad to hear you had a great experience with our team and appreciated the communication, photos, and updates throughout the appointment.
We completely understand that pricing can be an important consideration, especially for a donation-based foundation, and we appreciate you sharing that with us. We’re grateful you gave Barkbus the opportunity to care for your pups, and we’d love to welcome you back if the opportunity comes up in the future. 🐾❤️
Chelsea Sudock2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chelsea has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
First time using them they took great care of my pup. I would definitely use them again Only complaint was upon inspecting notice his ears were not cut evenly.. But overall still had a great experience
Response from the owner · a month ago
We’re so glad your first experience with Barkbus was a great one and that your pup was well cared for! We also appreciate you pointing out the uneven trim around his ears. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and your feedback is helpful. Thank you for giving Barkbus a try, and we’re excited to see you and your pup again! 🐾❤️
Amanda Castillo3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Amanda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Barkbus was amazing working with my sensitive Yorkie, Milo. They were patient with him and gave me updates throughout the appointment. The groomer was so nice and welcoming, he made me feel so comfortable to leave my dog alone with him.
Response from the owner · a month ago
We’re so happy to hear that Milo had such a positive experience with us! It’s wonderful to know his stylist was patient with him and that the updates throughout his appointment gave you peace of mind. Thank you for trusting Barkbus with Milo’s spaw day. We’re excited to see you both again! 🐾❤️
Sarah P.9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Lily was very kind, patient and so gentle with our elderly anxious girl. She did an incredible job, so sparkly clean from nose to toes and all fur brushed out. Perfect!
Response from the owner · a month ago
We’re so happy to hear that Lily was so gentle and patient with your sweet girl! It sounds like she took her time to make sure she felt comfortable while giving her the full spaw day treatment from nose to toes. Thank you for trusting Barkbus with your girl, and we’re excited to see you both again! 🐾❤️
